a. Lock up all medicines (including vitamins and nonprescription drugs), household poisons, (for example cleaning fluids, insecticides), and cosmetics.

b. Install appliance and cabinet latches.

c. Keep appliance cords short (using cord shorteners) and out of reach so appliances can’t be pulled off of counters.

d. Keep your baby away from heaters, stoves, open flames, and hot water and hot liquids (including tap water). Do not use hot steam vaporizers. Hot water heater temperature should be set at 120^o (F) or less.

e. Keep your baby away from open staircases, open and unbarred windows.

f. Close door to bathrooms, garages, basements, storage sheds.

g. Keep environment free of poisonous plants, plastic dry cleaning covers, and small articles, such as buttons.

h. Use federally approved clothing, toys, cribs, and infant furniture.

i. Cover all electrical outlets with plastic inserts.

j. Install smoke detectors. Install fresh batteries at least twice a year.

2. Never leave an infant unattended in a bathtub, on a bed, chair, couch or any other area your child could fall or be harmed.

If you need to leave your child alone, leave the baby in a crib, playpen, or in an infant seat on the floor, never on a bed or chair.

a. Crib

• The bars should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart so the baby’s head does not get caught between them.
• The railing should be at least 26 inches higher than the lowest level of the mattress so your baby can’t climb out easily.
• The mattress should fit snugly so the baby’s head does not get stuck between the mattress and the crib.
• Never have pillows or large toys in the crib. They may hinder the baby’s breathing and also can be used as "stepping stones" out of the crib.

b. Changing Table

• Safety strap to keep the baby from rolling off the table.
• Never turn your back.

c. Playpen

• Slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart so the baby’s head does not get caught between them.
• Any mesh should have a smaller weave than baby buttons.
• Never leave a baby in a playpen with the dropside down. An infant might not be able to breathe if caught under the mesh.

d. High Chair

• Wide base for stability.
• Should have a tray that fastens securely.
• Should have safety straps that do not fasten to the tray.

3. Never leave baby unattended with a small child, as sibling rivalry is often present. Help the older sister or brother feel needed and loved. Involve the older sibling where possible (depending on age and level of responsibility) in the care of the infant.

4. Make sure toys and toy parts are too big to swallow.

5. Keep the temperature of your home between 68^o and 72^o the first 2 weeks your infant is home.

6. If a member or guest of your household smokes, they should not smoke in the house or in your car.

7. Always use an infant car seat:

a. It is unsafe and illegal for infants to be loose or carried in the arms. In an accident, the baby will be thrown.

b. Use only infant seats designed for use in automobiles. A baby carrier is not a substitute.

c. Use an infant seat appropriate to your child’s weight and size.

• Semi-reclined and backward facing until baby is one year old.
• The seat should easily be anchored in your car; use the "locking clip" according to manufacturer’s directions.
• The seat should be convenient enough to use correctly every time.
• Your infant (and car seat) should always be placed in the back seat, not the front seat.
• Never put your infant in a seat equipped with air bags.

8. We do not recommend using walkers or infant "jumping" seats.

Your baby will face increasing hazards as a normal part of growing up, and no one can provide a child complete protection from them all. Thought, planning and action, however, can minimize the dangers in your baby’s environment.

The kinds of injuries a baby may receive change with his or her age. Situations that might caught injury to a newborn differ from those for a six-month-old. Of course, every baby is different and you should be aware of your baby’s individual abilities. Keep these abilities in mind as you make your home "baby-safe."

Birth to two months

• A baby is able to move around by pushing against surfaces with his or her feet and may be able to roll over.

Two to four months

• A baby is generally more active and is able to grasp objects and put them into his or her mouth.

Four to six months

• A baby is able to reach for and pull at objects. A baby is able to move more quickly and needs more room to move around.

Six to nine months

• A baby has much better coordination between eyes and hands and can reach many more areas by crawling and pulling to a standing position.

Nine to twelve months

• A baby is curious and wants to investigate many places. He or she also may be beginning to walk and crawl up the stairs.